*Rumour* - VW developing sub-4 meter Vento?

This is a discussion on *Rumour* - VW developing sub-4 meter Vento? within The Indian Car Scene, part of the BHP India category; Autocar has reported that VW is developing a sub-four-metre Vento.
The sub-four-metre Vento will compete with the Honda Amaze and ...

This makes a lot of sense actually. The Polo platform is being phased out globally to be replaced by the MQB platform. A sub-four metre option is one way of extending the life of the Vento in India. The challenge will be to develop in a low cost way - that is where a local R&D base is critical. VW dont have any local development capabilities in India but the sub-four metre Vento could be the first project for VW India an this could push them to invest more in R&D in India.

Its a little far fetched with Polo having a length of 3970mm. If they move the C pillar forward, they might be able to manage but it would surely become the first ugly VW in India. They can probably try a 2 door convertible version of Polo under 4m.

Playing around with 'Polo' looks will be blasphemy. Polo is the most balanced looking hatchback in India across all segments. Looks like VW wants to end up where TATA is now.
Is you guys are really serious about India bring in UP ! ASAP.

What they may do is use the existing Polo/Vento platform and chuck on it a sub-4m shell. Still seems quite ridiculous if they were to really put upon it a Polo/Vento look-alike. Even Viva was 4m+ having chipped some boot off Accent. A big Q on how are they going to do it surely. Add to that they want to compete with DZire, Amaze. At what cost and that too with the premium interiors of Polo/Vento?

In a way I am interested to see the outcome. Not because I am interested but this might bring out some interesting ideas to re-design the car to fit under 4m. Since the VW management has NOT approved the designs yet (as per some reports), they may NOT want an odd looking car and might push the designers to bring out a pleasant looking car. If this garners acceptance, we might see better looking compact sedans from next generation onwards.

VW wouldn't be able to do that locally. Rarely is an international platform modified so heavily. It's easier to add a boot than modify the basic structure (especially pillars).

Quote:

Originally Posted by vijaythacker

Could they be giving us the polo with a boot

They already have; it's called the Vento

I'm skeptical about the news. A chopped sub-4 meter sedan is okay for budget brands like Maruti & Tata. However, a presumably ugly, shortened Vento will have a negative effect on VW's brand & image. Plus, they really can't sell the sub-4 meter Vento cheaper than the Polo, can they?

Thus, neither will it give VW volumes, nor will it do anything for the brand.

I'm skeptical about the news. A chopped sub-4 meter sedan is okay for budget brands like Maruti & Tata. However, a presumably ugly, shortened Vento will have a negative effect on VW's brand & image. Plus, they really can't sell the sub-4 meter Vento cheaper than the Polo, can they?

Thus, neither will it give VW volumes, nor will it do anything for the brand.

GTO has surmised it perfectly.
VW's brand image will take a beating if they go for a sub-4 meter sedan. It won't be seen as a premium car manufacturer any more. Polo is already an established brand in India and VW wouldn't want to cannibalise sales of Polo by offering a sedan at its price range. Polo is already finding it very hard to churn up sales numbers and this new rumoured sedan may instead bring down sales of Vento due to buyers opting for 'other premium car manufacturers'. Thus squeezing the margins of VW.

VW should instead provide more features on their sub 10L cars that match up to the i20s, Vernas, Dzires, Citys, etc.

In these desperate times, its sad to see VW trying such measures. I am sure the slagging sales along with the forthcoming launches being in the sub 4 meter segment (thanks to Govt. rules) might have made them re-think their strategy.

Unfortunately events like these are only going to make manufacturers shy away from bringing their international/updated models fast in our country.

I guess the Sub 4m Vento would be coming with those 3 cylinder engines too. I'm inclined to ask why would anyone want such a car when Polo might have almost the same boot space and better looks? The reason folks opt for Vento over Polo is the better engine, which would be missed in this version too. All said, the population in India is so huge that there might be a few takers here and there for any design. Considering the VW's current numbers, even a small increase might be welcome.

Looking at the prototype, they could make it look better by adding a spoiler on the boot and calling it a 4 door fastback instead of compact sedan.

There is a lot of scope in giving a fastback look to the regular hatches by extending their length to 4m.